Threats related to participant characteristics include:
A) Regression to the mean of extreme groups
B) Attrition or experimental mortality
C) Differences between groups in maturation rates
D) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the options (A, B, and C) are threats related to participant characteristics. Regression to the mean of extreme groups refers to the tendency for extreme scores to become less extreme over time, which can affect the results of a study if not accounted for. Attrition or experimental mortality refers to participants dropping out of a study or being lost to follow-up, which can affect the representativeness of the sample and potentially bias results. Differences between groups in maturation rates can lead to differential changes in the outcome variable that are not due to the intervention, but rather due to normal developmental processes. Therefore, all of these threats should be considered when designing and interpreting research studies.

Threats Related to Participant Characteristics Include